Led by Rockwell Collins, the exercises demonstrated the success of Rockwell's "Train Like You Fight" training scenarios -- including a virtual battle space near Solvang, Calif. -- by creating a flight team composed of members in different locations:

The Aero L-29 pilot, while physically located in Iowa, flew with visual reference to the same California virtual environment seen by the Orlando-based wingman and the JTAC.

According to Tom Schnell, UI College of Engineering associate professor of mechanical and industrial engineering and OPL director, the exercises demonstrate research that will improve flight training and possibly lead to significant cost reductions.